Book Descriptions
for When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Solter
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Ten-year-old Tori's Uncle Andy, her mom's brother, has been a constant, loved figure in her life. Then he molests her. She's already confused and scared when she tells her mom. "Honey / you must have misunderstood. / You know how he plays around / how goofy he is / just like you." Further traumatized, Tori is rage and numbness. When Tori's mom finally asks Tori to tell her more, she takes needed action that has a ripple effect. Tori's grandma, refusing to believe Tori, is furious the police have been called. Tori's dad-her parents are divorced-threatens to fight for custody. Tori's little sister-the one person who believed Tori from the beginning-feels ignored when Tori gets all their dad's attention. Even her best friend is wondering why Tori is acting so strange. Tori (presumably white) is afraid to tell her friend the truth of what happened, including the fact that she let her beloved hamster, Furball, given to her by Uncle Andy, out of his cage and he's been missing ever since. This vivid, emotionally authentic novel in verse is grounded in Tori's perspective. Her struggle with what happened is complicated by the behavior of people around her, whose responses reveal their own struggles. By story's end, Tori is feeling stronger and more certain of herself and the people she knows she can rely on. (Ages 9-12)
CCBC Choices 2021. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2021. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
This harrowing, and ultimately hopeful novel in verse sensitively depicts a girl's journey through the aftermath of abuse.
One day after school, on the couch in the basement, Tori's uncle did something bad. Afterward, Tori tells her mom. Even though telling was a brave thing to do, her mom still doesn't believe her at first. Her grandma still takes his side. And Tori doesn't want anyone else—even her best friend—to know what happened.
Now Tori finds herself battling mixed emotions—anger, shame, and sadness—as she deals with the trauma. But with the help of her mom, her little sister, her best friend, and others, can Tori find a way to have the last word?
From debut author Sonja K. Solter comes a heartbreaking yet powerful novel that will strike a chord with readers of Jacqueline Woodson and Tony Abbott.
One day after school, on the couch in the basement, Tori's uncle did something bad. Afterward, Tori tells her mom. Even though telling was a brave thing to do, her mom still doesn't believe her at first. Her grandma still takes his side. And Tori doesn't want anyone else—even her best friend—to know what happened.
Now Tori finds herself battling mixed emotions—anger, shame, and sadness—as she deals with the trauma. But with the help of her mom, her little sister, her best friend, and others, can Tori find a way to have the last word?
From debut author Sonja K. Solter comes a heartbreaking yet powerful novel that will strike a chord with readers of Jacqueline Woodson and Tony Abbott.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
